How Embarrasing?!

  This whole summer, there was a nagging voice in the back of my brain urging me to get back to mermaid soup. With a wave of my hand, i told myself, "tomorrow". But tomorrow came and went. The next thing you know, it is fall and I have neglected to even bother updating a single post. I guess I will just claim to have taken the summer off.
  There are a lot of new and exciting things happening for Renouveau Clothing, and I am waiting to get things lined up to share them with you. For now, I finally got a paper backdrop for my photos, and finally got to be the photographer for an outdoor photoshoot,. I got some of my own designs modeled by a couple of gorgeous friends. Here are some pics to keep you in the loop, and a promise to stay in better touch.

 

Tons of new stuff in my shop! 

Day Two Fashion Challenge

Today seemed much harder than yesterday. I think the difficulty is trying to wear an outfit that is comfortable, and not too dressy. But once I let that go, and decided to put on something that I liked, regardless of comfort or appropriateness, I found an outfit that I loved. And it wasn't even uncomfortable.

 

my most favorite vintage sweater (thrifted)

black mini skirt (thrifted, then altered to it's new mini length by yours truly)

multi colored ethnic print belt (thrifted)

black patterned tights (target)

tall vintage 70s boots (etsy)

There were a number of friends at drop off today that were looking fabulous and excited about day two. But I, of course, left my phone (with camera) at home. I will make sure to take some pics later today of other participant's outfits and post them this evening. Looking good ladies! Keep the momentum going!

Day One Fashion Challenge

 My five day fashion challenge started off with a bang. I'll admit, I was a little whiny about it this morning when I got up and I was tired and cranky. I just wanted to throw on the old favorite jeans, Uggs, a sweatshirt and run out the door. But after a small internal pep talk, I came up with this:

 

Thrifted gray thermal

 Green vintage mini dress

 Leopard print tights (Target)

Vintage Frye cowboy boots (etsy)

I went to take my kids to school and, of course, ran into my best friends, (dropping off their kids), in the hallway. I was so happy to see them in their non-jeans (although Amy was wearing a denim dress, I told her that was OK).

 

Adriane in her corduroy flares, cowboy boots and puffy vest

 

Amy in her denim dress, cowboy boots and quilted jacket.

My outfit, with a 70s duster (from the 360 Ecotique) and my fringe bag.

The silly thing was, it wasn't hard or uncomfortable. I felt cute and I didn't feel overdressed or out of place. What on earth is so appealing about jeans? It is decided. This is a great challenge for me. If anything I get to show off some clothes that don't get a lot of wear in my closet. And who knows? After this week, maybe I won't be so quick to grab for the same old boring pair of jeans.

                                                                      

Jane Birkin inspired spring look

spring/Jane Birkin by Amber Bass on Polyvore.com

Cheap Monday ribbed tee
$18 - idontlikemondays.us

Paprika crop top
23 GBP - rarefashion.co.uk

J brand jean
$219 - singer22.com

T strap heel
$250 - modcloth.com

Straw Studios sporty handbag
$36 - endless.com

ASOS beaded jewelry
$47 - asos.com

My Jane Birkin look for spring. Actually, it is what I would wear while thinking of Jane Birkin. I must have those jeans!

dome homes

dome homes

snagged and re-blogged from  Free People Blog

mismatched

Although it is a trend I have always been a fan of, and that I have worn since I can remember,  we are seeing a lot of mismatched prints/textures/colors all over the place. I am pleased. I have always believed that things didn't have to "match", as long as the fit was right. I remember wearing turquoise/plaid/hip-hugger bellbottoms with an army green/camouflage crop top. I loved that outfit. The proportions were spot on, and even though the prints and colors were far from matching, it just seemed to go. This was in the late 90's, and many 20 somethings can pull of quite a bit. Needless to say, I still mix things up, but in a less tummy-revealing way.
  This trend might be hard to adopt for some people, and that's okay. A great place to start is with florals. They are everywhere, from Urban Outfitters to Anthroplogie, to your closest thrift store or your local boutiques. You can draw from a color in that print and bring it out with other prints or solids in the same color pallet. A small floral print works well with just about anything; stripes, plaids, ginghams, other florals, etc. Just put things on, take a look and take a risk. It is one of those things that you'll know when you see it. You'll know when it really just isn't working. Don't try too hard. Start small and work your way to more bold choices. And if you are still too shy to mix prints, a good default is to pair whatever you have on with a pair of red shoes.
 You can also look at websites like Freepeople.com or Anthropologie.com for inspiration and a more visual guideline.
 Here is a little outfit, (pretty safe for me!), that I have put together to demonstrate my take on this trend.
                  

                                                                               

mismatched by Amber Bass featuring a duffle bag

Floral Palette Dress
$45 - modcloth.com
Retro dresses »

A Leg Up Socks in Leafy Green
$16 - modcloth.com
Over the knee socks »

Swedish Hasbeens High Heeled Jodhpur Clog Ankle Boot
$269 - asos.com
High heels »

Navajo Duffle Backpack
$110 - topshop.com
Duffle bag »

Bullet Pendant Necklace
$29 - urbanoutfitters.com
Chain necklace »

 Here are a couple looks from Freepeople.com

 

This spring will be the perfect time to try this trend out for yourself. Over-the-knee socks in funky colors, prints, or stripes will add just enough "funk" to that little floral dress with a slouchy cardigan. Happy spring transition! xoxox

The Big Event

 This past Friday was The Delta of Venus. A local  fashion social  in the incredible little town of Chico, CA. I was a participant in this event, held at the beautiful 360 Ecotique. The night was a success with a great turnout, (Chico is a very cool place, with very cool people who love to support their community), great music and TONS of AMAZING treasures for sale. We served wine and my friend baked Russian tea cakes and passed them around on a sliver platter (i have the sweetest friends!).  At a few points in the night, the place was shoulder to shoulder with hipsters admiring, trying on and purchasing their finds. The whole night had a constant stream of folks and it was so wonderful to meet the people trying on my items, and it gave me a great opportunity to talk about my designs and the creative process behind them. I was so overwhelmed with compliments and in depth discussions pertaining to my designs. What a great night. I would say, for myself, that my Heirloom dresses overshadowed all of my other items. That is not to say people didn't love the others (or purchase them!), but it was the first time the dresses were displayed in a group with access to trying them on. I was also wearing my newest creation, (I custom made for myself, for this event), and another sweetie-pie girlfriend was selling raffle tickets while wearing a dress from the collection. It really helps to have someone modeling their beauty.

 

 

The other vendors were my dear friend Sadie Rose of  Lost boys and Lovers , Adorn by Mari, Kodo fragrances and my newest girl crush, Cabrina Channing Jewelry designs. What an inspiring group of women! There were so many things i wanted, but had to show some restraint. I purchased a great necklace from Adorn by Mari and I have teamed up with Cabrina Channing to do a trade for her insane body jewelry. She will get a custom heirloom dress I have just begun to work on. We also had a dear friend of mine read Tarot cards, which she had a line for all night! Thanks Monica!

 

 

 

 

Here are some pics of the event including set up and some local hipsters. As well as my GORGEOUS friends and fellow artists.

The night was a lot of fun, but I was so tired after the set up, event then breakdown, I completely took the next couple days off.  I woke up this morning hungry for more. There is no taming this beast. My poor husband. The house has been, a-hem...neglected, and he has so sweetly defended it by saying, " When it is fashion week around here, this is just the way it is going to look." Thank you sweetie! Happy Valentine's Day. I love you!

*** a special thanks to Crystina Hemmingway and Lorna Hillman of the 360ecotique, Sadie rose and Erin Lizardo.